Today’s playlist was inspired after I heard Matthew Sweet’sGirlfriend on the radio last week and my brain went “ahhhh” from happiness. I decided it would be the perfect warm-up song and created a 50-minute interval ride for indoor cycling that will work for any of your cardio needs. Hope you like it!

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always.

Girlfriend:Matthew Sweet

From the opening guitar riff right through all of the cool drum fills-this song seriously kicks butt and makes me want to work harder. Love, love, love, deeply love this song.

Pump It: The Black Eyed Peas

For all of you Pulp Fiction fans—the music “bed” here is Dick Dale’sMisirlou which gives it a retro cool kind of sound.

Can’t Hold Us:Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis

I love the consistent beat here and it always gets the class powered up to take it up a notch. (The video is a little strange but I kind of like it anyway.)

A Sky Full of Stars:Coldplay

The music and orchestration here are so lush and wonderful that I had to find out who produced it. Guess what? It’s co-produced by my favorite Swedish DJ Avicii!

Fly: Sugar Ray featuring Super Cat

It is basically impossible to NOT sing along to this tune from Sugar Ray which always reminds me of summer. Plus, I really do just want to fly.

Gold Guns Girls:Metric

Being the American superfan of this band brings a tremendous responsibility on my part where I must include them as often as possible in my playlists. You’re welcome!

Safe and Sound:Capital Cities

I like my bouncy fun dance pop tunes and this one fits the bill nicely.

Americano:Lady Gaga

Where did Lady Gaga go? I mean that seriously because I am happiest when she records pop tunes like this that have an edge. Gaga, please come back when you are done touring with Tony Bennett!

(Also–can someone please find me the original video which included a cameo by Norman Reedus? Thanks!)

Style: Taylor Swift

This is my new favorite song and represents the first time Taylor Swift has been included in one of my playlists. Hello Taylor!

Hella Good No Doubt

I have an image from my friend’s wedding over ten years ago where they played this song at her reception and her grandparents boogied to Hella Good. (So much fun and the bass here is excellent!)

Shut Up and Dance:Walk the Moon

Every time I hear this song it reminds me so much of the kind of songs that would appear on 80s movie soundtracks. That’s meant to be a compliment.

Stars:Moby

This song is great for climbing or using the incline on the treadmill. Plus it features tons of stars including Corey Feldman whom Margo P. and talk about on our podcast here at this iTunes link.

Unknown Legend:Neil Young

This is my favorite song off of Neil Young’sHarvest Moon album and features background vocals (on the original album) from Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and Nicolette Larson so it generally just rules.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there get your workout mojo on!

I am continuing my delve into club/dance music which is just slightly outside my comfort zone but Swedish DJ Avicii puts together such fun, catchy “warm-up” tunes. I love “Hey Brother” and “Wake MeUp” so when I heard he recorded with Lenny Kravitz—I downloaded the song right away and decided to trip around the last couple of decades to being you this playlist. You’re welcome!!!

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always.

Superlove:Avicii & Lenny Kravitz

I love how the song seems to ebb and flow– making it a perfect warm-up for getting my students used to being on the bike. I have them match the beat with their peddling but it also works for any kind of group fitness class.

Fire Sign: The Gossip

Beth Ditto is a fierce singer and this tune really gets the room pumping with energy. (True story—the original drummer left the band to be a midwife!)

I Gotta Feeling:The Black Eyes Peas

The beat here is fun, happy and builds in joy as you move along which is just about perfect for any workout playlist.

Sweet Disposition:The Temper Trap

Sometimes you want your class to fall into a trance and just the music flow…this song does that very nicely from this Australian band.

Clocks: Coldplay

I know there are people out there who hate Coldplay and complain anytime they are played on the radio but I love them and this song always makes me want to go on long climbs and think about life.

I wish these two would record a whole album together—this song just cooks!

Breathe:The Prodigy

My inner 90s rock goddess loves hearing this band anytime and this particular tune is perfect for sprinting.

Holiday: Green Day

I cannot believe this band has been together so long that they are now in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (I am OLD!)

Never Let You Go: Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind is best known for their druggie anthem “Semi-Charmed Life” but I really like this song so much more.

Complicated:Avril Lavigne

If it has been a while since you heard this one from Avril—go back to it. She did some might fine songwriting here and she was just 16 years-old when she recorded it.

Ordinary World:Duran Duran

This may be my all-time, most favorite Duran Duran song of all time after “The Reflex” and “Girls on Film.” (Though “Planet Earth” is pretty amazing as well… (Use this one as your cool down, of course.)

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

I love putting together playlists. The ability to be a coach while also indulging in my “secret DJ” side has brought me so much indescribable joy in my life that I could honestly when I hear a student say “I just love your music!” (Heart is beating faster and spirit is now soaring!)

So when I started to post them up on this here Blog I just sort of wanted to place to just PUT them. I honestly did not expect anyone to actually pay attention but have crazily formed relationships with instructors all over the world who have added some of my favorite tunes to their class playlists.

It makes this Fit Chick so happy to introduce Metric and Dear Rouge to other instructors and now I am asking YOU to send me your favorite song suggestions. Bring –em on and let us all dominate the world with one playlist at a time!

Let’s Go!

Shut Up and Drive: Rhianna

Rhianna is sort of a new obsession for me. I am just digging her style and grooving to her tunes as often as I can. This is a fun one to play at the top of the class to get their attention and get them focused on a high energy workout.

I Heard I Had:Dear Rouge

I am sort of obsessed with this duo from Vancouver who won a ton of radio competitions in the Great White North. Now I need to help them break big here in the States!

Swamp: Talking Heads

This is my opportunity to get just a wee bit self-indulgent and play one of the my favorite songs form one of my favorite concert films (Stop Making Sense) of all time.

I Will Wait:Mumford & Sons

Normally I am not a “banjo” kind of gal but this song is fun to get people moving their butts faster to keep up to the beat.

No Church in the Wild: Kanye West & Jay Z

I love, love, love this song so much and appreciate the Frank Ocean singing along with Kanye and Jay Z pretending to be bad asses.

Jingo:Santana

Okay gang—if you need a song to rev people up and push them—try this one from Santana that features a tribal drum beat that is off the hook!

Butterfly: Crazy Town

No idea what this song is even about but it is pretty damn great!

Chelsea Dagger:The Fratellis

I just got turned on t this band from Scotland and this tune makes me want to pump my fist in the air (in a good way, of course.)

Gold Guns Girls: Metric

This is another Canadian band I am determined to make more famous—one class at a time.

Poker Face:Lady Gaga

It’s been a while since I featured the shy and bashful LG in a playlist so why not today? (If you get a chance—go to You Tube and look up Christopher Walken reading the lyrics to Poker Face—it’s a gem!)

Tonight Tonight:Smashing Pumpkins

I like to use this song for a climb that finished with a big flourish—try it and see for yourself!

Heart is a Drum:Beck

A really dreamy tune and perfect for a cool down from the cooler than ever Beck.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Are you ready for a tough workout? This 50-minute playlist that I created is filled with music that will hopefully get you motivated on your next ride or run. As usual—there is a mixture of newer tunes with a few 90s gems. Enjoy!

Counting Stars:OneRepublic

OneRepublic is a band from Colorado who wrote this super-catchy song that makes my head bop to the beat.

Out of My League:Fitz & The Tantrums

Today one of my favorite students told me this was her favorite song from this list. Fitz & The Tantrums are a Los Angeles band that writes fun tunes that will make you want to sing along.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You):Kelly Clarkson

This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. Seriously—Kelly Clarkson just sings the hell out of it.

Dangerous:Big Data

I got this directly from the Internet—“Big Data is a paranoid electronic music project from the Internet.’ Not sure what that means but Dangerous has a bouncy energy I love.

Rope: Foo Fighters

Whenever I want to set the volume to “11”—I put on some Foos!

Holiday:Green Day

This is my favorite song from American Idiot!

Get Off This: Cracker

When I want to reminisce about young & free in the 90s—I play songs like this one.

My Moon My Man:Feist

Where is Feist these days? I miss her!

Americano: Lady Gaga

I loves me some Gaga and this live version is fun to watch!

I Heard I Had: Dear Rouge

This is a new band from Vancouver and this song makes me want to dance around the room.

Stupid Girl:Garbage

Shirley Manson is my spirit animal.

Get Higher:Black Grape

This song is wonderfully subversive and fun.

Pets:Pornos for Pyros

I wish I could find the original video for this song as I recall it being freaky and fun.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

My playlist this week features a mixture of new tunes and few classic gems for a true interval ride. The energy level goes up and down so it is perfect for Tabata and sprint drills. Enjoy!

Wake Me Up:Avicii

This Swedish DJ’s real name is Tim Bergling and he has possibly the most gorgeous face I have ever seen on a man or woman. Just look at those blue eyes and high cheekbones…sorry, what were we talking about?

Pompeii:Bastille

Quoting directly from Wikipedia here: “Lyrically, the song is inspired by the Roman town known by the same name, which met its fate with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.”

All the Small Things:blink-182

The one and only blink-182 song I know. Love it.

Dancing With Myself: Billy Idol

I think Billy Idol is one of the sexiest rock & roll singers of all time and this song has long been a “dancing around my bedroom like a fool” staple in my life.

Sunday Morning: k-os

A really fun tune for running sprints.

Apparitions:Matthew Good Band

For the first “climb” in this set I like this one from the Matthew Good Band.

Dog Days Are Over: Florence & the Machine

This was one of my favorite songs from her first album and is perfect for when you want your class to work harder and give more energy.

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark: Fall Out Boy

Kind of, sort of THE perfect workout tune which makes everyone helpless against its charms.

Love Interruption: Jack White

I have a thing for pasty white guys who croon for love.

Do What U Want: Lady Gaga (with R. Kelly)

Gaga was just so damn charming on the Howard Stern Show that she can do no wrong in my eyes.

The Perfect Life:Moby (featuring Wayne Coyne)

I am not sure if everyone is aware of this but MOBY HAS A NEW SONG YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT NOW!

Pump It:The Black Eyed Peas

If you want to get a group to move hard just one last time, this is what you need to play for them.

XO:Beyoncé

This is my absolute favorite song on her new album.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.

It’s end of the year time and I am ready to look back on the “Best of’ 2013″ and the songs I most frequently played in my classes (I teach spin, core training and boot camp by the way.) Enjoy!

Also included a few tunes that I just could not get on board with this year at ALL. Let me know what you think!

Unbelievers:Vampire Weekend

This is one of those songs that always made me smile when it came on the radio. They are also from Brooklyn which is pretty damn cool!

Come & Get It:Selena Gomez

This has everything that would normally drive me crazy in a dance song (cheesy lyrics, weird “voice” work, droning beats) but dammit I just love it to death. Come & Get It brings out the giddy 15 year-old in me and I proudly put it on my “Best of” list.

Came Back Haunted: Nine Inch Nails

So happy these guys are back and this particular song is so freakin’ motivating when you want to work harder and sprint faster. Get it now!

Supersoaker: Kings of Leon

I love this band because they know how to write hard-driving songs without being too “heavy” or dark. This is one of those tunes that will help you keep a steady pace.

Recovery: Frank Turner

Frank Turner has a fun, sexy British accent that he uses well in this happy, boppy song.

If So:Atlas Genius

If you are not familiar with Atlas Genius—they are an Australian pop rock band and they write some catchy tunes and this chipper number had me from the first note.

Out of My League: Fitz & the Tantrums

Fitz & the Tantrums have recorded some of the most fun and bounciest songs I have ever heard in my life and this one in particular gave me the “happies.”

Royals: Lorde

I know some people are having Royals fatigue but I will never forget the first time I heard this song and how much it just caught my attention.

Roar: Katy Perry

This is NOT my favorite video (cheesy McCheese, geez Louise!) However, listening to Roar always makes me want to be a teenager again so I can dance around my bedroom and sing along to this anthem.

Timeless:The Airborne Toxic Event

Sure it is a tad overwrought and earnest but so the hell what? It’s a great song and perfect for either a steady climb or a cool down.

I included this one from The Sheepdogs in three different playlists this year because I lerve it so darn much. Go Canada!

My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark:Fall Out Boy

I never thought I would see the day this band appeared on my iPod but this song kicks butt!

Thrift Shop: Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis

The version full of cursing makes my heart soar. Love you Mackelmore!

And now my picks for the “4 Stinkers of 2013″

Blurred Lines: Robin Thicke

Okay—yes, the song is insanely catchy and I did include it for one of my playlists this past year. However, after listening to Robin Thicke being interviewed on The Howard Stern Show I realize this guy is a total sexist dunce and he does not deserve a second of my time. (And Blurred Lines sounds like a Marvin Gaye rip-off!)

Applause: Lady Gaga

I happen to love Lady Gaga and will defend her to anyone who dares to speak in a negative way about her. (So what if she is pretentious? The woman is a gifted, national treasure!) However, this song just did nothing for me. Blah, boring, snooze. (Sorry Gaga! The rest of the album is fantastic!)

Work B***H: Britney Spears

The b-word has been abused way too often in music lately (honestly, sometimes I would rather hear the c-word instead!) I reject this lame offering from Britney Jean not only for that but also for the horrible monotonous beat that made me want to punch a kitten. (And I am a crazy cat lady!)

Bound 2: Kanye West

Oof—this one is just indefensible. (But the “alternate” version is a gift from the comedy gods.)

That’s all I have for now. Let me know your best/worst for 2013. Also, what music are you looking forward to in 2014? Bring it!

Lately I have been in the mood to get on my bike and ride out to Far Rockaway—just to see how everyone is doing there (FU Hurricane Sandy!) and also to feel the climb the Marine Parkway Gil Hodges Bridge. It’s a scary as hell climb for a person with height issues (like me) but it is also beyond exhilarating to ride over the narrow walkway and feel the wind in my face as I go.

Anyhoo—whenever I take on that bridge I like to put on a “climbing song” to get in the mood. So today I bring you some of my favorite tunes to get my feet peddling up an incline.

Enjoy…

Change:Churchill

I know absolutely nothing about this group except I really like this song. Are you familiar with them?

Man Like That: Gin Wigmore

This is a new song that I have been playing the last few weeks and it really seems to get people into a great mood.

Spiderwebs:No Doubt

My inner “90s Chick” gets super-happy every single time I hear this song. (Go Gwen!)

Little Lion Man:Mumford & Sons

My students are always surprised how much cursing exists in the “real” version of this song. (I think it makes it so much better.)

Get Higher: Black Grape

Our first official “climb song” comes from an English group that really likes their recreational drug use. (If I do not judge reggae musicians for it I can’t attack the Brits for the same thing!) Get Higher is SO subversive and no one ever seems to catch on to the theme. Love that!

Rope:Foo Fighters

Honestly you can play just about any Foo songs in a spin class and people will totally dig it.

Undone (The Sweater Song): Weezer

Lately I have been going through a total Weezer faze… (Second climb by the way.)

Telephone:Lady Gaga & Beyoncé

OMG—I freaking LOVE this song so much I want to marry it.

Too Close: Alex Clare

Our third climb features a song that could have been recorded in the 80s for all I can tell. That’s a compliment by the way.

The Pit:Silversun Pickups

This is one of my new favorite bands and this tune always makes me want to peddle faster.